This is an exceptionally lovely vintage cookie/biscuit tin with an elaborate lithograph of of the "Dickensian Series. Mr. Pickwick on Ice". The tin is from E.I. & Co. Ltd Shipley as stamped on one end of the lid. Portions of the original paper label from Fillery's Toffees Ltd. Birmingham, England are the end of the base. It indicates that the tin originally held 15 oz. Nett Weight of Toffee, 1 Lb. including the wrapping.

The imagery is delightful and straight out of the Dicken's story, The Pickwick's Papers. In the center on the lid we find cheerful Mr. Samuel Pickwick jauntily skating on a frozen river past on-lookers on the shore and two others getting ready to put their skates on the opposite shore. All around the base of the tin is a series depicting other skates and on-lookers with Mr. Pickwick no longer jaunty and falling on his back side. So much detail and special character to the scene. I found a few other similar tins - but none had the imagery all around the base, only the lid. This tin is likely from the 1940s and those are newer versions of the scene.

This tin is in very good, age-related condition -- there are a couple of small dents on the side that appear to be from thumb holds and a few surface scratches, but still really nice. There is a bit of scuffing around the edges, commensurate with its age. The lid fits well and the inside is rust free. It would benefit from a thorough cleaning however - there is a sight sticky substance in the bottom. The outside of the base and the lid are bright, festive, Christmas red!

The bottom is shiny silver with oxidation but no rust.

A wonderful, unique, addition to a Christmas tin collection - or a charming "gift box" for a special Christmas gift.

Dimensions:

8" long, 4 1/2" wide, 2 3/4" tall.